"Multi-layer" encryption of medical data in DNA for highly-secure storage

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Information Technology
• Data Security and Archiving
• Molecular Data Storage

Background:

• Increasing medical data volume necessitates secure archiving solutions.
• DNA data storage offers high density and endurance for sensitive information.
• Existing DNA storage methods lack comprehensive encryption, risking data corruption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a multi-layer encryption pipeline for secure medical data archiving using DNA.
• To address the security vulnerabilities in current DNA data storage schemes.
• To enhance the scalability and flexibility of DNA-based data storage.

Main Methods:

• Developed a three-layer encryption strategy: Blowfish algorithm (IT layer) and two biotechnology (BT) layers.
• BT layer 1: Encrypted the key using the molecular weight of synthetic DNA or nucleosides.
• BT layer 2: Encoded digital information directly within DNA sequences.
• Decryption involved mass spectroscopy, DNA sequencing, and Blowfish decryption.

Main Results:

• Successfully implemented a multi-layer encryption pipeline for medical data archiving.
• Demonstrated significantly enhanced data security through combined IT and BT encryption.
• Mass spectroscopy enabled the use of natural/unnatural nucleosides and oligonucleotides, boosting scalability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed multi-layer encryption pipeline offers a secure and scalable solution for medical data archiving in DNA.
• This approach expands the flexibility of DNA data storage by utilizing diverse molecular characteristics.
• Highlights the potential of DNA molecules for secure encoding and retrieval of digital information.